Arts and Culture

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A mean, feisty cat is obviously a villain (find a cat who isn’t). An old friend from school days is secretly a villain. A man fresh out of jail partners up with… Read more: From Garden Gnomes to Gangsters: Highlights from Theatre Burlington’s “Playtime”

Burlington Public Library customers saved a total of $28.9 million by borrowing books and other items from the library in 2025, according to the library’s recently published annual report. “In a time where affordability is top of mind and rates… Read more: Burlington Library Customers Saved $28 million Last Year

Burlington Public Library invites children and teens ages 0–17 to make reading part of their summer vacation. Registration is now open for the Library’s free Summer Reading Club, a popular program that helps young readers stay engaged, build confidence, and… Read more: Registration Now Open for Burlington Public Library’s Summer Reading Club

June 2, 2026 — Sahaja Yoga Meditation Network 100 Seeds of Joy is inviting the community to celebrate wellness, music, yoga & meditation, and togetherness through a week of free events across Halton in honour of International Yoga Day. The… Read more: 100 Seeds of Joy Kicks Off International Yoga Day Celebrations with Flag Raising and Free Wellness Events Across Halton

By Emiliy R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter It’s the groovy sixties, and the City of Hamilton is thriving. Two successful career people named Janet and Dean feel financially secure enough to throw away lucrative positions and chase their real… Read more: A Mafia, a Marriage, and a Talking Swordfish: Dundas Little Theatre Prepares New Reading

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Joseph Brant Museum welcomed chef and cookbook author Irene Matys on May 26 for the second instalment of its Speaker Series, where she discussed her award-winning cookbook My Cypriot Table. The event’s theme… Read more: Irene Matys Shares Family Story Through Food at Joseph Brant Museum

Book lovers, mark your calendars! Burlington Public Library’s super-sized book sale returns on Saturday, May 30, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Centennial Hall at Central Branch. Following the runaway success of past sales, BPL has continued its in-depth… Read more: Burlington Public Library’s Biggest Book Sale of the Year

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A high school student forms an unexpected bond with a teacher from his school. A couple that owns a cat insists that they do not live within the context of a Broadway… Read more: Comedy, Drama, and Magical Realism Collide in Theatre Burlington’s “Playtime”

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter “It’s because of you that audiences get to be transported to somewhere special!” This is how Tim Cadeny, president of the BurlOak Theatre Group, addressed all attendees on May 20, 2026, during… Read more: BurlOak Theatre Group Marks 50 Years with Ambitious 2026/2027 Season

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Sculptures from artists across Canada can be found throughout Burlington’s downtown until May 31, 2026, as part of the Burlington Waterfront Sculpture Trail (BWST). The trail is organized by Cobalt Connects and the… Read more: Cyberpunk and AI Themes Appear in Burlington Waterfront Sculpture Trail

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter If furniture had eyes and ears, it would have a lot of stories to tell. In A.R. Gurney’s comedy of manners, The Dining Room, an elegant dining room set consisting of a… Read more: The Table Sees and Hears Everything in West End Studio Theatre’s “The Dining Room”

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Warning: This article discusses sensitive topics such as rape and violence against women. May 10 to May 16, 2026, is National Victims and Survivors of Crime Week. The Government of Canada website… Read more: “Dark Crimes” Raises Difficult Questions About Violence and Storytelling

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Music, food, books, skincare, clothing, and community spirit filled the halls of Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School on May 7 as families, students, vendors, and performers gathered for the school’s third annual Afro-Caribbean… Read more: Representation Matters: Holy Trinity’s Afro-Caribbean Market Brings Culture and Community to Oakville

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Unsure of what to do in Burlington this upcoming weekend? Do you want to see an intriguing play, sing along to a classic Broadway musical, or take in some local art? Here… Read more: Curtain Calls, Cher, and Contemporary Art in Burlington This Weekend

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter It’s the Prohibition era in New York in the 1920s. That means no drinks and no fun allowed. But a millionaire playboy is going to celebrate his forthcoming marriage to his fourth… Read more: Drury Lane Theatre’s Nice Work If You Can Get It is a Jazz Age Extravaganza

By Sydney Alexandra, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A sea of orange filled the La Salle Park Pavilion on Saturday, May 2, as residents of all ages gathered to celebrate Netherlands-Canada Friendship Day, a vibrant tribute to a relationship rooted in… Read more: Lasting Bonds: Burlington Celebrates Netherlands-Canada Friendship Day

May 4, 2026 — Royal Botanical Gardens Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) presents a major new contemporary art exhibition this summer. Opening June 20, 2026, ANCHORBALL: A Curious Art Journey marks the first Canadian exhibition by artist Ken Kelleher, internationally known… Read more: A MASSIVE NEW SCULPTURE EXHIBITION WITH AUGMENTED REALITY IS TAKING OVER ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS THIS SUMMER

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Before the lights, before the applause, and before a single step is performed on stage, the journey begins quietly in practice rooms filled with nerves, laughter, and determination. For the participants of this… Read more: Stepping Beyond Comfort: Burlington Dancers Take the Stage for Easter Seals

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Grace Pine (played by Barbie Ferreira of Euphoria fame) is twenty-two in the year 2011, and she goes to indie rock concerts with a notepad in hand. While the crowds cheer wildly… Read more: Emerging Adulthood is Chaotic and Messy in Chandler Levack’s “Mile End Kicks”

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Students in the Spotlight returned to Burlington Central High School on April 29, bringing together creativity, community, and compassion for an evening that celebrated student talent while raising critical funds for the Halton… Read more: Students Take Centre Stage at Halton Learning Foundation Fundraiser in Burlington 

Calling all Burlington writers — your next story starts right here, right now! Burlington Public Library invites writers across the community to take part in its annual Write Here Write Now writing contest, running from May 1 to 31. Open… Read more: Annual Writing Contest Opens May 1: Burlington Public Library Launches Write Here Write Now 2026

By Sydney Alexandra, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The library was anything but quiet on April 23. Four teams of elementary school students gathered, huddling together between questions, flipping through mental pages as they put their knowledge to the test. They… Read more: Battle of the Books in Burlington Builds More Than Competition

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter As part of its Earth Day programming, Burlington Public Library’s Central branch welcomed local residents to an interactive and reflective workshop exploring the power of plants and traditional healing practices. The session, titled… Read more: Herbal Medicine Workshop at Burlington Public Library Highlights Earth Day Themes

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Warning: This article contains mentions of suicide. A couple has set their dining room table elegantly for dinner and is waiting for their guests to arrive. The silverware is sparkling, the napkins… Read more: Hard Truths About Bullying Surface in “Late Company” at Dundas Little Theatre

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter How much can you put up with before your patience snaps? Emerging adulthood is hard enough, but imagine trying to come into personhood and individuality while sharing a living space with someone… Read more: Chandler Levack’s “Roommates” Takes on the Toxic Friend

April 21, 2026 — City of Burlington/Public Art Burlington Transitions: Civic Square Hoarding ProjectCity Hall, Burlington, Ontario Deadline: May 22, 2026Award: $400 CAD | 21 commissions available Artist opportunityThe City of Burlington is presenting Transitions: Civic Square Hoarding Project, a temporary artwork series to… Read more: Call for Artists and Writers: Downtown Burlington and Alton Terrace Projects

By Maisha Hasan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter On Friday, April 17, Museums of Burlington debuted a travelling exhibit at Joseph Brant Museum, titled “eat make share: a taste of immigration,” created by the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21… Read more: Shared Tables, Shared Stories: New Exhibit At Joseph Brant Museum Explores Immigration Through Food

April 16, 2026 — Royal Botanical Gardens Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) welcomes award‑winning Canadian artist Patrick Watson for a captivating live performance set amid natural beauty this fall. A must-see event for fans of contemporary Canadian music and unforgettable experiences,… Read more: Award‑Winning Canadian Artist Patrick Watson Brings Live Performance to RBG

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter It’s a beautiful, balmy summer morning. The wide windows open upon a lush countryside landscape, with a sapphire-blue pond and an assortment of cherry trees in full bloom. The world is still,… Read more: Unfulfilled Artistic Ambition at the Heart of Village Theatre Waterdown’s “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike”

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The stakes have never been higher for a small town curling tournament. A washed-up, unemployed cad is pinning all of his hopes for success on winning the big game. His lonely, introverted… Read more: Theatre Burlington’s “Hurry Hard” is a Sporty Sitcom that Scores

By Maisha Hasan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter With Earth Day rounding the corner, Burlington Public Library is hosting an author talk with Barbara Tran on her debut poetry collection, Precedented Parroting. The author talk will take place Sunday, April 19,… Read more: On the Wing: Barbara Tran Brings Poetry of Migration and Memory to Burlington Public Library

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter On the sunny afternoon of Saturday, April 11, the Art Gallery of Burlington welcomed the community to the opening of its Community Medicine Garden, a space rooted in culture, education, and environmental stewardship.… Read more: AGB Community Medicine Garden Opens as Living Classroom for Culture and Connection

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter An evening of entertainment, community spirit, and meaningful impact is set to take centre stage on Friday, May 1, 2026, as Dancing with Easter Seals Stars returns to the Oakville Conference Centre. The… Read more: Halton Dancers Take the Stage for Easter Seals Stars Fundraiser

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter There is good news for theatre enthusiasts who like to plan ahead. Burlington’s Theatre Burlington and Drury Lane Theatre have announced their 2026/2027 show seasons. Further afield, in Burlington’s adjoining towns, Waterdown… Read more: Burlington-Area Community Theatres Set the Stage for 2026–2027

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Literature, music, theatre, the visual arts. These are the components of an enlightened, liberal education, the interests of curious, creative people, and a great privilege of living in a city like Burlington… Read more: Burlington’s Arts Scene Springs to Life This April

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Art Gallery of Burlington will once again come alive with creativity as the 54th annual Arts Burlington Spring Sale returns on April 18–19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.… Read more: Return of Arts Burlington Spring Sale Highlights 100 Local Artists

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Curling, jealousy among siblings, and a societal issue that troubles us all: bullying in our schools. Theatre Burlington, Village Theatre Waterdown, and Dundas Little Theatre are now deep into preparations for their… Read more: Divorce, Sibling Conflict, and School Bullying: April’s Local Theatre Season Explores Relationships

This April, Burlington Public Library invites residents to give creative materials a second life through its Craft Supply Drive, running from April 1 to 30 at all library branches. Donations of new or gently used craft supplies will support free… Read more: Burlington Public Library announces Earth Month Craft Supply Drive

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter “If Grace Rocky save stars, we can go home.” — Rocky the Eridian in Project Hail Mary. A human, a regular, everyday person, wakes up to a reality in which Earth is… Read more: Taking Responsibility for Our Place in the Universe in “Project Hail Mary”

Burlington Public Library is pleased to announce the results of the annual Burlington Bookmarks Contest. After tallying over 3,000 online votes by community members, the 2026 winners are: This year’s contest received more than 500 entries, showcasing the creativity and… Read more: Burlington Bookmarks Contest Winners Announced

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Burlington is moving closer to finalizing its 10-year Culture Plan after wrapping up its final community session this month, with public feedback continuing to shape the draft recommendations. The plan will help inform… Read more: Cost, Access, and Space Emerge as Key Issues in Burlington’s Culture Plan

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter From February 1 to June 28, Conservation Halton is hosting the Spirit of the Lake exhibition at the Crawford Lake Conservation Area. According to the Conservation Halton website, the exhibit “celebrates the park’s… Read more: Art, Water, and Memory: Spirit of the Lake Showcases Indigenous Artists at Crawford Lake

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A scientist should be a good storyteller. That is what David Suzuki and Tara Cullis claim, speaking from a lifetime of being teachers, activists, and public figures. A scientist should speak and… Read more: David Suzuki Turns Climate Science Into Storytelling in “What You Won’t Do for Love”

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Florence Meares Public School hosted its second Afro-Caribbean Market last week, following the inaugural event in 2023. The event was founded and organized in a volunteer capacity by Local-News.ca reporter Kezia Royer-Burkett. “The… Read more: Florence Meares School Celebrates Local Black Businesses and Artists at Afro-Caribbean Market

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter “It’s poetry on wheels!” boasts Monsieur Bouc (played by Brendan Wall), welcoming the world-renowned private detective Hercule Poirot (played by Daniel Kash) aboard the absurdly luxurious, London-bound train, the Orient Express. But… Read more: Murder on the Orient Express at Theatre Aquarius Plows Full Speed Ahead

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The snow may not be fully melted yet, but the emerging sun is reflecting on the white surface, promising brighter days ahead. Like the green grass hidden beneath the snow piles, Burlington’s… Read more: Burlington’s March Theatre Lineup Offers Mystery, Music, and Family Fun

By Maisha Hasan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Burlington is one of the mid-sized cities in the GTHA that holds magic in its everyday stories — something bestselling author Michael Perry is well aware of. His work centres on small towns;… Read more: Small Towns, Big Stories: Michael Perry in Conversation at Burlington Public Library This Week

By Maisha Hasan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Some of the most remarkable works in the Western world have been inspired by the East — though “inspired” may be too generous. In many cases, motifs and styles were taken, distorted, and… Read more: Phuong Nguyen Challenges Colonial Narratives at Art Gallery of Burlington

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter This one’s for the history buffs: retro miniskirts, Edwardian black satin with silver embroidery, ermine-lined Revolution-era cloaks, it’s all there. On Thursday, February 26, 2026, Burlington’s theatregoers packed into Drury Lane Theatre… Read more: Drury Lane’s 45th Annual Music Hall is a Refreshing and Riveting Romp

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Burlington Concert Band filled the Holiday Inn Burlington with the sounds of soul, steel pan, and spirituals on Sunday afternoon, presenting “Roots, Rhythm, and Resilience: A Tribute to Black Music.” The February… Read more: Burlington Concert Band Celebrates Black Music with Roots, Rhythm, and Resilience

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter From January 17 to April 26, the Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB) is the home of Roda Medhat’s first solo exhibition in a public institution, “Things I Can Fold, Deflate and Break.” The… Read more: Folding Memory at the Art Gallery of Burlington: Roda Medhat’s First Solo Show

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Shell shock hasn’t even touched him yet, and yet he is terrified of the explosive sound of thunder. She has never ventured far beyond her sheltered home life, and yet she extends… Read more: Riding Through Grief in Theatre Burlington’s Mary’s Wedding

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter On Wednesday, February 11, the Burlington Performing Arts Centre came alive as Jully Black launched her Jully Black Live Experience Tour in front of a hometown crowd that has long embraced her artistry.… Read more: From Ceiling to Sky: Jully Black Opens Her Live Experience Tour in Burlington

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter On February 9, the City of Burlington hosted its monthly Committee of the Whole meeting, where council and staff discussed various items relevant to the city and its residents. Adam Vickers, sales and… Read more: Council Debates Parade as MRG Unveils Plans for 2026 Lakeshore Festival

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Love is a wide spectrum. We feel romantic affection for our partners. We feel camaraderie with our friends. With our family, we feel safe and protected. With our pets, we enjoy playing… Read more: Heart to Heart Variety Show Celebrates All Types of Love in Burlington

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Burlington Performing Arts Centre was alive with colour, culture, and celebration on Saturday, February 7, 2026, as Redleaf Cultural Integration (RCI) hosted its annual Lunar New Year Spring Festival, welcoming the Year… Read more: A Galloping Start to the Lunar New Year: Burlington Celebrates the Year of the Horse

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter On February 6, the Ireland House Museum hosted one of its After Dark tours, this one themed around Victorian courtship, in celebration of Valentine’s Day. The tour began in the museum portion of… Read more: How Victorians Fell in Love: Ireland House After Dark Explores Courtship Customs

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Grade 6 to 8 students and their families gathered at P. L. Robertson Public School in Milton on Feb. 5 for an evening of storytelling, imagination, and reflection during a special Family Literacy… Read more: Lawrence Hill Inspires Young Readers at Milton Literacy Night

By Maisha Hasan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter In the spirit of Valentine’s Day and all that precedes it, the Burlington Public Library is hosting an author talk with critically acclaimed author Farah Heron on Tuesday, February 10. Heron will discuss… Read more: Farah Heron on Romance, Representation and Realism Ahead of Burlington Public Library Talk

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Burlington residents are invited to welcome the Lunar New Year at the Year of the Horse Celebration, presented by Redleaf Cultural Integration, taking place this Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Burlington Performing… Read more: Year of the Horse Celebration Brings Lunar New Year Traditions to Burlington

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Toto, we’re not in Burlington anymore. Or maybe we are. Maybe we’re in Bloomland in Oz, and the staff and volunteers at the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) are magicians with flora, transforming… Read more: Royal Botanical Gardens Welcomes Visitors Into the Land of Oz

By Maisha Hasan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Taste of Burlington returned on January 26 and runs until February 28, bringing a variety of local restaurants together to serve carefully curated prix-fixe menus across the city. The event encourages visitors to… Read more: Inside 400 Brant’s Culinary Vision as Taste of Burlington Returns

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter He calls it an arrangement. She calls it a marriage. Their family and friends, as well as the audience, call it the most dysfunctional case of “Golden Age Syndrome” they’ve ever seen.… Read more: Toxic Nostalgia Deconstructed in Dundas Little Theatre’s “Home, I’m Darling”

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter It starts, as most period dramas do, with the clomp-clomp of horses’ hooves. The curtains open upon an elegant English drawing room. First-world problems ensue. Too many bottles of expensive champagne were… Read more: BurlOak Theatre Group Brings British Wit to Oakville Centre in Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest”

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Taste of Burlington is set to return in 2026 with its most interactive format yet, inviting residents and visitors to explore more than 40 restaurants across the city during what is typically a… Read more: Taste of Burlington 2026 Returns with New Digital Trail — and an Opportunity for Greater Culinary Inclusion

Burlington Public Library is introducing an exciting lineup of Valentine’s Day events, activities, and book displays at library branches across the city next month. From February 1 to 14, visitors will find playful programs, cozy reading inspiration, a creative bookmark… Read more: Have A Sweet Time At the Library This February

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter On February 1, the Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC) will host 2026’s first installment in its Live and Local series, a recurring concert event that features Burlington artists performing at the venue. February’s… Read more: BPAC’s Live and Local Opens 2026 with a Homegrown Lineup

Calling all artists and book lovers, young and old — Burlington Public Library’s annual Burlington Bookmarks Contest is underway! Every year, local residents are invited to break out the crayons and markers and design a bookmark based on a literary… Read more: Burlington Bookmarks Contest Is On

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter She collaborated with Neil Young and Dolly Parton. She helped found The Eagles. She starred in The Pirates of Penzance, a hit adaptation of a Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera. She dated… Read more: Drury Lane Theatre Honours Linda Ronstadt’s Legendary Scope and Versatility

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter On January 13, the Burlington Public Library hosted a virtual author talk with political and cultural commentator David Brooks to discuss his latest book, How to Know a Person. The event was facilitated… Read more: How to Know a Person: David Brooks Explores Connection in a Burlington Public Library Talk

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Southern Ontario Lyric Opera (SOLO) time-travelled back to war-torn Napoleonic Italy last year with its successful execution of Giacomo Puccini’s Tosca. Now, in the year 2026, the company is travelling back… Read more: SOLO Prepares to Stage a Classic Italian Tragedy Set in Ancient Egypt

Make it your resolution to read more in 2026—and Burlington Public Library will help you get over the finish line! January is the official kick-off month for BPL’s twelve-month BPL Reading Challenge, but you don’t have to wait to start.… Read more: Make 2026 Your Best Reading Year 

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter “The stage is not merely the meeting place of all the arts, but is also the return of art to life.”— Oscar Wilde People crave entertainment. It’s wired in humanity to seek… Read more: Curtain Call for Courtesy: Burlington Theatre Pros on Audience Etiquette

Emily Zarevich has returned to Burlington’s Got Talent with another set of poems on reflection, life, and writing. She also offers some insight on why poetry and creation is so meaningful, particularly in this time where artificial intelligence is becoming… Read more: Burlington’s Got Talent: Human Writing — The Irreplaceable Art 

By Maisha Hasan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Dried-out whiteboard markers and frog dissections are the stock-in-trade of the modern classroom. Now, so are the staggeringly low reading levels.  In an assessment by the Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation, it is estimated… Read more: Reading in Decline: Schools and Libraries Work to Inspire a New Generation

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Around Valentine’s Day, people are always drawn towards love stories, new and old. Bumping into someone cute on the street, dating hijinks, long conversations, meeting the families, confronting rivals, and a wedding,… Read more: Theatre Burlington’s Mary’s Wedding: A Story of Love and Loss Outside of Time

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter If you recognize Gregory Flis’s name or his photograph, it means that you are either a regular reader of his theatre reviews or you are a frequent attendee of productions at local… Read more: Local Theatre Critic on Reviewing, Show Business, and Burlington’s 2025 Highlights

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Earlier this month, the City of Burlington announced that its search for a new organization to run a music festival at Spencer Smith Park was over. The city previously decided in October to… Read more: As Burlington Names a New Music Festival Operator, City Leaders and Residents Weigh In

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Founded in 2017 with a debut performance alongside the Burlington Symphony Orchestra, the Myriad Ensemble has grown into a defining force in Halton’s choral community. What began as a small summer project has… Read more: Raising Voices Together: Myriad Ensemble’s Resonant Place in Halton’s Cultural Soundscape

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter January is always a listless month. The holidays come to an end. The rush of the Boxing Week shopping frenzy passes quickly. People have to ease back into their school and work… Read more: January 2026 Will Usher in a Rousing New Year of Entertainment in Burlington

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter As winter settles in, Royal Botanical Gardens’ Winter Wonders has once again transformed the gardens into a glowing gathering place for the community, inviting visitors to slow down, connect, and experience nature through… Read more: Connection in the Cold: Tree Love Grows at RBG’s Winter Wonders

By Maisha Hasan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The holiday season often brings moments of gathering and reflection, as well as remembrance. For Ralph and Susan Sgro, that reflection has taken shape over recent months through a community fund via Burlington… Read more: Lindsay’s Loves: A Family’s Gift to Inspire Creativity and Connection

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter On December 12, the Ireland House Museum hosted its final After Dark event of the year, themed around Victorian Christmas. The tour began in the museum portion of the property, where a tour… Read more: Victorian Christmas Comes Alive at Ireland House Museum’s After Dark Event

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Cinderella has never been sillier. The ugly stepsisters have cellphone-wielding influencers acting as their personal PR team. The evil stepmother has a special bell to summon her so she can be booed… Read more: Fun, Laughs, and Slippers Made of Glass in Drury Lane Theatre’s Cinderella Pantomime

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Over the weekend, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, West-End Mums (WEM) welcomed approximately 150 elegantly dressed guests to their second annual WEM Gala, a vibrant celebration of culture, community and motherhood. The atmosphere… Read more: Community, Culture, and Empowerment Take Centre Stage at WEM Gala

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Burlington Performing Arts Centre was alive with soul, nostalgia, and pure joy on Saturday, November 29, as Legends of Motown brought their signature sparkle back to the city. The acclaimed 16-piece ensemble, often… Read more: December Magic in Halton: Music, Markets, Memories, and More

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter On November 27, the Burlington Public Library (BPL) hosted an author talk with Souvankham Thammavongsa, focused on her new book and first novel, Pick a Colour. The event was part of the fifth… Read more: Giller Winner Thammavongsa Reflects on Her Bold New Novel At Burlington Public Library

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25 is recognized around the world as a time to confront the realities of gender-based violence and strengthen collective efforts to… Read more: Festival of Inner Lights Marks International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in Burlington

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Kevin’s family is very industrious and high-spirited. One morning, his father’s innocent pastime of constructing paper airplanes before work becomes an improvised family competition. Kevin’s dad makes one, and it soars. Kevin’s… Read more: Robert Munsch’s “The Perfect Paper Airplane” Celebrates Kids’ Unstoppable Creativity

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The original fairy tale novel by Italian author Carlo Collodi came out in 1883, and since then, it has been teaching children all over the world a valuable lesson: lying to other… Read more: Director Tyler Collins Tells No Lies About Theatre Burlington’s Unique Take On “Pinocchio”

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Well, we’ve already had our first snowfall of the year, and our first early experiences of slipping and sliding on the ice! The shopping centres are filled with Christmas decorations, and the… Read more: Local Shows, Local Spirit! The Christmas Theatre Season is Approaching Fast in Burlington

We don’t often picture the author of the next best-selling spy thriller to be a local Burlington doctor. But that’s exactly Dr. Ray Torbiak, debut author of Novichok: The Novice Assassin and local radiologist in our very own Joseph Brant… Read more: A Doctor’s Journey: From Narrative Medicine to Spy Thriller Author

Ahead of his BurlLITFest event This Weekend, the author discusses the themes driving his latest novel. By Maisha Hasan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter “How did we go from conquerors to Uber delivery, from emperors to 7/11?” This is an excerpt… Read more: Adnan Khan Explores Ambition, Race, and Reinvention in “The Hypebeast”

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter When do women ever get to talk without being interrupted? When do they ever get to converse in peace? With the demands of children, household duties, partners, and bosses always cutting in,… Read more: Village Theatre Waterdown’s 20th Century Blues Lets Women Finally Finish Their Conversation

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Author Joseph Lee was hosted online by Burlington Public Library (BPL), for a discussion centred around his new memoir, Nothing More of This Land, earlier this month. The talk was facilitated by the… Read more: Joseph Lee Discusses Identity and Belonging in BPL Virtual Event

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter On November 22 and 23, the Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB) will host the Arts Burlington Holiday Sale. The sale is organized by Arts Burlington, which is the committee that represents the six… Read more: Festive Finds and Local Talent Shine at Arts Burlington Holiday Sale

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Dr. Frederick “Fronkensteen” is the most well-regarded and respected brain expert in the world. He’s engaged to be married to a beautiful woman. He’s got a glittering future ahead of him. But… Read more: Drury Lane Theatre’s Young Frankenstein is Electric and Full of Life

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Festival of Lights will once again transform Burlington’s waterfront into a glowing winter wonderland from November 28, 2025, to January 8, 2026, marking its 30th year of lighting up Spencer Smith Park.… Read more: Burlington’s Festival of Lights Marks 30 Years with New Indoor Events

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Late last month, the Burlington Public Library hosted an author talk with education activist Malala Yousafzai, where she spoke about her new memoir Finding My Way. The online event was facilitated by the… Read more: Malala Yousafzai Joins Burlington Public Library for a Talk on Growth and Finding Her Way

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Last week, in good time for Halloween, the Ireland House hosted one of its “After Dark” events, this one themed around Victorian mourning. The Museums of Burlington website described the house as being… Read more: After Dark at Ireland House: Victorian Mourning Comes to Life